Portal to Arandor Ch. 07

Everyone rose later than normal the next day. I awoke with soreness between my legs and a puddle by my head, but was in better spirits than I had been in weeks. I wriggled out of my blankets and opened the tent flap. The world was foggy and grey. It would be a miserable ride. One of the men saw me struggling and helped me to my feet and we marched to the bushes.

When I returned the men were drinking hot tea and eating breakfast. Silent as always, I joined them for my morning meal. I looked around for Robert and saw him tending Brownie. He didn't notice me and I guess that was a good thing because despite the damp day I would have smiled broadly at him. I continued looking around until my gaze stopped at Sir Bernard. Normally I wouldn't have given him a second glance, but he was in deep conversation with someone that I had never seen before.

Standing next to Bernard was one of the most intriguing, handsome...no...sexy men I had seen since my arrival in this realm. His body was made of nothing but hard muscle, but he wasn't brawny like Robert. He was more compact. His black hair tumbled down in waves to just below his shoulders. And his face: finely chiseled and covered with a closely cropped black beard. He was speaking with Bernard about something and when they stopped, he turned his head and looked right at with me brilliant blue eyes. The stare penetrated me with such intensity it took my breath away.

But it lasted only the briefest of moments. The stranger turned his head back to Bernard and they continued to speak.

"Lady Rebecca," came a voice seemingly far away. "Time to mount up."

I came out of my trance to see one of the men ready to help me up on Brownie. Sighing, I set my empty mug on the grass and stood up. It was time to ride again, but at least today there might be something new to look at.

Indeed there was as the stranger in black rode an impressive stallion along side our little party. He rode with a large sword strapped to his back and a dagger at his thigh. Although I was intrigued, the rest of the men paid him no heed. In fact several expressed their distaste. I heard the word "rogue" mentioned a few times. When I was finally able to get near Robert at our midday break, I asked him about the stranger.

"That is Lord Drahden," he said with an air of indifference. "He is to accompany us to the next town."

"We are going to town?" I asked.

"Yes, we need supplies and some of the horses need attention. We'll stop for a few days there."

All thoughts of Lord Drahden temporarily escaped from my thoughts as I thought about being in a town again. I could bathe and sleep in a bed! Things were definitely looking up. But we weren't going to reach the town until the next day. One more night in the open, but I could wait. It would be worth it.

When we stopped for the evening I waited patiently for my leg irons. Robert himself was elected to lock me up and he mumbled how it killed him to do so.

"Just remember last night," I whispered.

When he stood up, I saw he did remember the previous night. I smiled a small secret smile and moved off to get my supper.

Lord Drahden was standing apart from the other men watching me receive my food.

"Here now," he said in a loud voice. "Why is this woman wearing leg irons? Clearly she is not a risk to flee?"

"Mind your own business Drahden," said Bernard as he brushed past him to get a second helping. "She's the king's worry, not yours."

"It is unjust," protested Drahden. I noticed his accent was different. Apparently he was from the north Robert had told me earlier.

"You're hardly one to be deciding what is just or not," Bernard said and some of the men laughed.

Drahden wasn't fazed by their remarks. Instead he finished his meal and went to see the horses. I had always made it a point to see Brownie so I waited a minute and then followed him. I was curious about this man and I couldn't help it. I found him near the stallion talking to him in a soothing voice.

"I admire your stallion, my lord," I said after a while.

He looked up and I saw those blue eyes again. I couldn't help but be quite taken by him.

"His name is Brego," he said without breaking his intense gaze.

Brego. Something about the name tugged at me but I couldn't place it. I went back to checking him out again. It couldn't be helped.

"Why are you riding with us?" I asked.

"There have been reports of unrest in these parts. I felt it would be safer to travel with a party than alone. I came upon your camp last night in the rain."

I half wondered if he saw Robert exiting my tent and pushed away the thoughts before I blushed. I knew he would notice that.

"Why is there unrest?" I asked.

He raised an eyebrow. "You do not know?"

I shook my head. Nobody had really said much to me about the state of affairs currently. Perhaps it was on purpose.

"There are some parties of drow on the move. They have been unfriendly to King Edmund since the uprising last year."

"Drow?" I asked. "What are drow?"

Drahden was about to tell me when my evening escort showed up.

"My lady, it is time for your walk."

I blushed slightly. "Excuse me, my lord. I fear I need to leave you."

When I returned from my walk, the men had settled around the fire. Drahden was no where to be found. I was a bit disappointed as I huddled in my blanket and looked at the fire.

Lately the men had been fond of telling stories around the fire after it was dark. I always listened, fascinated by the stories of old. Elves had settled the lands long before man and they still dwelled in the deep forests outside of the realm. Most of the stories were of a time before men had arrived and I wondered if these men wished for those old times to return when peace reigned for hundreds of years. I listened again to another story and when the man was finished, I spoke up.

"And what of the drow?" I asked boldly.

I saw a few men stiffen.

"And what of them?" Bernard asked in his mocking tone.

"I wish to hear of them. I am not familiar," I replied, undaunted.

"They are an evil race. As evil as elves are good," Robert said. "Their skin be black and their hair white. They hunt well at night."

"I heard they have been sighted nearby," said one of the men.

"Aye, they have and I have seen them." It was Drahden now who spoke up. He had been in the shadows and I didn't see him before.

The men murmured amongst themselves.

"That is enough about drow," said Bernard. "Do not tell me you men are afraid."

I hated Bernard and the way he patronized and belittled the men. I knew that many of them did not like him and the longer we were on the road, the more the dislike grew. I decided I had enough and rolled into my blanket and turned my back to the fire. Fortunately sleep took me quickly.

The next day buzzed with anticipation as we slowly made our way to the town of Wessex. Not for the first time was I struck by these quaint English names. I often wondered if I was sent back in time, but with elves, dragons and drow present, it couldn't be. But still, it was a puzzle.

By midday we were passing more farms. I hadn't realized how off the beaten path we had been until confronted with houses, livestock and the occasional farmer. Then as the rays slanted in the late afternoon, the town of Wessex came into view. I could tell it was smaller than Fairfax and I did not see any castles. It was just a town, but a welcome sight after so many days on the road.

Lord Drahden directed us to a reputable tavern and inn. We dismounted in front of the Black Goose and began to organize the horses and equipment. Bernard began to bark out orders and men moved in step.

"My lady, you are to take a room in the inn this evening," Bernard said with a leer. "A guard will be posted outside your door and I will be in the room next to yours."

I shuddered at the thought but tried to push it away by thinking of the nice hot bath and soft bed that awaited me.

"And the rest of the men?" I asked.

"Oh, I don't think the men will be sleeping tonight," he said with a wink and then he was off.

Robert came over to me and unlocked my chains. "Sir Bernard allowed me to remove your manacles this evening. I am to escort you to your rooms."

"Oh thank you Robert," I said, rubbing my wrists. They were chafed and sore. He nodded and we went in the tavern and up the stairs to my room. Once inside, he shut the door and took me in his arms.

"Just a moment alone," he whispered. "Let me kiss you this once."

His lips sought mine eagerly and we kissed passionately, but briefly. I knew Bernard would be up to settle in his rooms and I didn't want Robert to be caught.

"Will you be guarding my room?" I asked breathlessly.

"I do not know, but I will try. I know the other men wish to partake in other activities."

He didn't have to say what. I knew there would be drinking, whoring and gambling going on that evening. It was inevitable.

"Alright then, I will look for you," I said.

As soon as Robert slipped out the door, I checked out my room. It was definitely not a five star room at the Four Seasons, but after weeks on the road, it was perfect for me. A large wooden tub was already filled with water and warming. There were clean sheets on the bed and food was on the table. I spied a bottle of wine and poured a glass to start things off.

When the water proved warm enough, I stripped off my travel weary clothes and slid into the tub. As soon as the hot water enveloped my skin I let out a long sigh and sunk down up to my neck. It has been the longest I had ever gone without a bath.

By the time I got out the water was cold and dirty and the light was fading. I dried off and slipped my spare chemise over my head. It was still very warm this far south so I opened the window and sat next to it to comb out my hair. A warm breeze caressed my skin as I undid the tangles that plagued me the last few weeks. It was nearly impossible to keep my hair in check when wearing manacles and chains.

I watched people come and go in the square outside the inn. It seemed as if all the men that had accompanied me had gone their separate ways and I was alone. Then I spied two men talking on the far side of the square. In the dying light I could see that it was Robert and Drahden. What they could possibly be discussing, I had no idea, but it was quite an animated discussion. Robert was gesturing and looked somewhat upset. Drahden was calmly explaining something. I wished I could hear them.

After a while Robert calmed down and then handed Drahden something small. I couldn't make it out in the approaching darkness. Drahden tucked it into the pouch he wore on his belt and then grasped Robert's upper arm in the sign of friendship I've seen men here use. Robert put his head down and walked away. Drahden looked around then disappeared in the shadows. I shut the window and decided it was time to eat.

Sometime later the fire was crackling away and I was drowsing in my bed. I was clean, my stomach was full and the wine was doing its job. All I needed was a man to share my bed, I thought. And in my drowsy state, it was Drahden I fantasized of, not Robert. I wondered what he looked like after peeling away those black clothes. It was certainly an interesting thought.

But my thoughts were rudely interrupted when the door opened and Bernard let himself in the room. I had forgotten about him entirely and I cursed myself for being so lax. Robert had tried to teach me to always be on guard. I squeaked and pulled the covers up to my chin.

"What do you want?" I demanded.

Bernard shut the door and sat down in a chair by the fire.

"I am lonely this evening. I could use some company," he said as he helped himself to the wine.

"I'm sure there are plenty of whores downstairs you could pay."

Bernard laughed and took a long swallow of wine. I could tell he was already drunk.

"Perhaps, but why spend the money?" he said in his leering tone.

I knew what he was referring to and shrunk further into my bed.

"Come over here and sit in my lap," he said with a sickening smile.

"Never."

He frowned. "Now do not fight me, my lady. I only wish for a little female company. Travelling is hard on the soul."

"Easy for you to say, you weren't shackled the entire time," I spat.

He stood up and took three long strides to the bed and yanked me up by my wrist. I was stunned at his strength for his age and the fact that he had been drinking. He pulled me close and I could smell his stinking breath.

"A woman like you should be restrained all of the time," he said in a low voice.

"Fuck off," I yelled.

He responded with a hard slap to my face which sent me flying on to the bed. In an instant he was on top of me. My wrists were pinned down and his knees were digging into my thighs. I struggled, but again, he was too strong.

"Do not ever talk to me like that again," he threatened. "Now I am going to stand up then you are going to stand up. If you try anything I will beat you to an inch of your life. You'll have plenty of time to heal before we see the king. Do you understand?"

I nodded.

"Say it."

"Yes, I understand."

He slapped my face again.

"Yes, I understand, sir," I said bitterly.

"Good, now get up you whore." He stood up first and stepped back while I got out of bed. His gaze went right through my flimsy chemise. "Take it off."

"But..." I started. He raised his hand and I closed my mouth. It was no use. This man was going to violate me and I had no say in it. And in the society I was in, no amount of screaming would be cause for concern. The party was already in full swing downstairs. I shrugged out of my chemise and stood before him naked and ashamed.

Bernard rubbed his fat hands together. "Good, good...Now turn around."

I turned around and heard him tear a strip of material from the hem of my chemise. "Put your hands behind your back." I did as told and tried to hold back the tears as he tied my wrists. They still hurt from the manacles I had been wearing and this method of restraint aggravated the condition all over again.

"Turn around again," he said.

I took a deep breath and turned to face him. "Now, you will do as you're told. You might even find it pleasurable." He laughed at his joke and took another swallow of wine. I watched in disgust as the liquid dripped from his mouth to his chin and finally down to his shirt.

He put his hand on my ass and drew me roughly towards him and began to kiss me. I kept my mouth firmly shut but he didn't seem to mind. He used his tongue to lap at my face and neck and I tried my best not to wretch in his face. Meanwhile, his fat hands groped at my breasts and tugged at my nipples. What a difference it was compared to how Robert had touched me. All the while that Bernard touched and prodded me, I didn't feel one shred of the desire that I had when Robert was with me. I shut my eyes and looked away trying to accept this torture with a bit of dignity.

Bernard moved his mouth from my neck to my breasts where he suckled and bit them. I yelped in pain a few times which only spurred him on and I realized he was one of those sick fucks that were turned on by administering pain. I willed myself to not make anymore noises. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

At last he seemed satisfied enough to take a step back. Continuing to leer at me, he undid his breeches and freed his semi-erect cock. I took a deep breath.

"On your knees, whore."

Trembling I sunk down to my knees. Taking his cock in my mouth was the last thing in the world I wanted. Having him fuck me was even preferable to this. This was the final humiliation. He grabbed a fist full of my hair and pulled me towards his cock.

"Now suck it. And if you even think of putting your teeth on it, I will rape your arse so hard you won't be able to sit on the saddle for a week. You'll have to walk the rest of the way to the king."

I bit back a retort and opened my mouth to accept my punishment. Bernard guided his cock into my mouth until I could not take anymore. I gagged once and closed my lips over his shaft and began to suck. The smell of him was overpowering and several times I tried to keep the bile from rising in my throat. Because my hands were not free, I had to accept the speed at which he pulled my head down on his cock. So with my eyes shut, I sucked his cock the best I could just wanting this ordeal to end.

Bernard moaned and talked to me. "I see you had a bath. That's good because I'm would not want to stick my cock in a filthy cunt." When I made a noise he laughed. "Oh yes, my little whore, this is just the first act. Next I am going to fuck you."

And almost as if by cue, there was a knock on the door.

"Enter!" said Bernard.

I heard the door open but I could not see who it was.

"Ah, Sir Bernard. I see you have started." The voice was unmistakable. It was Drahden. Shame washed over me.

"Yes and she's a good little cocksucker too," he said, not skipping a beat. "I trust you have the item I asked for."

"Yes I do."

"Good, add it to my wine there." Then without further ado, he pulled out of my mouth and stepped away. "Get on the bed and wait for me."

I struggled to my feet and lay on the bed. Now I could see Drahden and I was ashamed beyond comprehension. He appraised my naked body as only a man could do but any desire or lust was quickly masked and his expression turned impassive.

"You can have her after I'm through, Lord Drahden," Bernard said in his usual mocking tone. "I'm sure she's able to go another round after me."

"Thank you sir, for your kind offer. I may take you up on it."

My stomach turned. Although I had been fantasizing about him earlier, this was not how I wanted it to happen. I did not want to be treated like a common whore. But wisely I kept my mouth shut. Instead I watched Drahden produce a vial from his pouch and add three drops to Bernard's wine.

"How long do I have before it takes effect," Bernard asked after he drained the wineglass.

"Only a matter of minutes," replied Drahden.

"Good, good. I must thank you. It wouldn't do me any good to get this one with child. The king would have my head."

I was about to tell Bernard that it wouldn't matter but there was something about the look on Drahden's face that made me keep quiet. Something was going on here.

Bernard came over to the bed and began to stroke his cock. "Look at her titties. Have you seen anything so fine, Drahden?" I heard Drahden grunt something and I turned away at the sight of Bernard's cock. "Open your legs wide and let me see that cunt of yours." I obeyed and prayed for this to be over quick. In his state, however, it may take a while. I just wanted Drahden to leave. I couldn't bear for him to see me like this.

I felt the bed move as Bernard climbed on it. Eyes firmly shut I awaited the inevitable, but what happened next I could not foresee for suddenly he collapsed next to me and when I opened my eyes he started to snore.

I looked at Drahden and he had a sly smile on his face.

"My lord! What happened?" I cried.

"Just a little sleeping potion, my lady."

"But..."

Drahden put a finger to his lips. "We must act quickly. All I will say is that I am here to rescue you. Once we get safely away I will tell you all. Understood?"

I nodded, confused, but grateful.

"Very well. Let me help you up."

He pulled me from the bed and untied my binds. "Get dressed," he whispered. I pulled on my clothes and my boots and shoved the rest of them back into my pack. I pulled my cloak off the hook and wrapped it around me. During this time Drahden watched me but I could not read the expression on his face. I wondered what he was thinking.

"Alright, let's drag his majesty back to his room," he said. Drahden opened the door, looked around and together we dragged Bernard back to his room. We left him on a chair with his pants still around his ankles and his now flaccid cock.